Benefit to aid injured Lincolnton firefighter

JENNA-LEY HARRISON
Staff Writer

Doctors expect injured Lincolnton firefighter Adam Dancoff to return home permanently next week after spending nearly five weeks in the hospital for treatment for a diving accident he suffered earlier this summer on Lake Norman, his mother Linda McGinnis told the Times-News Thursday.
Adam came home Sunday to spend the afternoon eating lunch with friends and family at a city employee luncheon at Beatty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton, Linda said.
He had to return to the hospital to endure an additional week of rehab due to an unforeseen infection.
“He’s a little down … because he had to stay extra,” Linda said.
Friends and family are set to hold a benefit for the 21-year-old this weekend at Zipper’s Restaurant in Lincolnton, with a portion of the food sales benefiting Adam’s medical cost through his support team known as Adam’s Armor.
“Because we’re standing behind him and supporting and protecting him and helping him get through this,” Linda said of the group’s name.
Adam fractured his vertebrae and lost feeling in his legs after diving off a boat into a shallow part of Lake Norman in Iredell County on July 14.
Firefighters from various local agencies worked together to construct an aluminum wheelchair ramp for their young colleague at his mother’s Lincolnton home the end of last month.

The home additionally now boasts a number of other handicapped-friendly accommodations such as wider doorways and a barrier free shower.
“So he can roll his shower chair into the shower, Linda said.
Adam currently has feeling in his arms and each day is developing more strength in his fingers.
“He’s getting more movement in his fingers this week,” Linda said. “I’ve noticed an improvement in them.”
The Zipper’s benefit is set for 2-7 p.m. Saturday with activities that will include a dunking booth, cornhole tournament, music from D.J. Johnny B., fire truck rides, prizes and more.

For more information and updates on Adam’s condition or to purchase Adam’s Armor paraphernalia, visit the Facebook page “Prayers & Encouragement for Adam.”
The family previously held a motorcycle ride benefit earlier this month and plan to host a future fundraiser at Dixie’s Tavern in Charlotte and Shear Perfection in Lincolnton, offering food and hair cuts to the community, Linda said.